From collossal spaceships and space stations consisting of thousands of bricks, to the wacky slingshots and portals, we've been incredibly impressed with all the entries you've submitted to the Moon to Mars contest. Let's take a look at these incredible winning entries:
Grand Prize Winner
Moon to Mars Transport System (MMTS) by siuliano
Here's what our judges said about the winning design:
Overall coolness and originality: 25%
The MMTS is a well-balanced and visually appealing spacecraft, featuring unique elements such as glass-domed observatories and rich internal detail.
Most inspired details: 25%
In-flight spacecraft maintenance will be important so the tethered space-walking astronauts are a superb external detail. Internally, the gardens and living areas are whimsical and fun—the guitar is a fantastic addition (Former Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield would approve!).
Relevance to contest theme: 25%
The round-trip flight path to Mars is about 2000 times farther than from Earth to the Moon and back—a mission to Mars may take astronauts away from Earth for more than two years. Such a lengthy expedition will require a large, reliable spaceship that can provide all the comforts of home, as well as laboratories for the crew to perform useful work during the long journey. The MMTS, which is “designed for lengthy journeys” thoughtfully provides laboratory space plus essential amenities such as gardens, café, medical bay, and gym.
Best use of LEGO elements: 25%
The MMTS mixes many different types of LEGO elements making this a very interesting build, with potential for tailoring.
Runner Up Winners
The Lunar to Mars Embedded by jumperplate
Here's what our judges said about our first runner up's design:
Overall coolness and originality: 25%
The Lunar to Mars Embedded concept plays off of NASA’s plans to use in-space resources, such as ice on the Moon, but goes one step further by embedding a spacecraft inside a space rock!
Most inspired details: 25%
The best part of this design is that the rock around which this spacecraft is formed has limitless potential for tailoring and creative play. The Extravehicular Activity (EVA) astronauts are a nice touch, as are the detachable landers.
Relevance to contest theme: 25%
This design embraces the spirit of “sustainability,” which is an important concept in space exploration—being able to use materials at hand, rather than launching everything from Earth. The rock itself also offers interesting scientific exploration potential during the long journey to Mars.
Best use of LEGO elements: 25%
This build uses a smaller array of unique elements than other entries, but the rock concept lends itself to tailoring potential, allowing a builder to use almost anything in the toybox.
Moon to Mars Initiative by ArmoredBricks
And here's what our judges said about our second runner up's design:
Overall coolness and originality: 25%
The Moon to Mars Initiative’s slingshot design is fun and well-executed.
Most inspired details: 25%
The shock-absorbing crew seats on this whimsical design are a nice touch, as is the removable cockpit canopy to access the internal crewed areas..
Relevance to contest theme: 25%
The four-crew Moon to Mars Initiative spacecraft itself is a bit on the small side for the lengthy trip to Mars, although the design does address two aspects of the mission: leaving the Earth’s sphere of influence and the transit between the moon and Mars.
Best use of LEGO elements: 25%
The slingshot mechanism and support structure employs a number of unique, colorful elements.
Bonus Prize Winner
Starship Jordan Miller by Stevenhoward27
And here's what our judges said about our bonus winner's design:
Overall coolness and originality: 25%
This is a big, beefy spaceship, with rich, interesting detail.
Most inspired details: 25%
This design gives a nod to international cooperation, with creative use of LEGO elements to create the various national flags. The Jordan-Miller backstory is inspirational and further cements the spirit of collaboration in this design.
Relevance to contest theme: 25%
Starship Jordan Miller is complex, but a Mars transport will be complex and this design includes many of the critical elements: antennas, solar arrays, pressure tanks, robotic arms, etc.
Best use of LEGO elements: 25%
This design uses many different types of elements, but the national flags are especially creative.
Honourable Mentions
The Minerva Project by vidaandras
LUCA - The next big step by yop1172.
What's Next?
We only have a few days left on our Overwatch contest, where we're asking you to give any Overwatch hero a brick-built Junker transformation. Take a look at the awesome entries we've had already, and maybe get inspired to give it a go yourself! And be quick!
By
JacobM366